Category Archives: Maintenance

The alternator is an important part of your vehicle’s electrics. It works like an old fashioned dynamo, turning motion into charge that’s used to keep the battery topped up and the electrical systems functioning correctly.

With the big demands on power from the modern car, any problem with the alternator can cause systems like engine management, entertainment, climate control and even the dashboard to work intermittently or perform poorly.

Windscreen washers are an important safety feature on your car. Maintaining full visibility at all times on the road is vital. If you are in any way obscured from seeing the complete picture of the outside world from your car this could lead to an accident.

Sometimes however unexpected dirt can fly up onto the window, such as birds mess, filthy water or mud. In these instances windscreen washers can be deployed to keep your windows clean. Continue reading →

Symptoms of low oil include your engine feeling sluggish. It may suffer from poor acceleration and you could find yourself sitting behind the wheel wondering what those knocking and ticking noises might be? The oil light could ignite or the oil pressure may run low. All these are signs that your car is due an oil change.

The summer is here and there are plenty of bugs on the scene. If you’re out on the road on a nice day then little splats of fly can plaster your windshield, paint job, headlights and grille. And the longer you leave them drying on your bodywork or glass, the harder they are to remove.

Don’t ignore those little signs that you are having problems with your car if you want to avoid those nasty repair bills. And the gearbox is one part you do not want to go wrong as it’s one of the most expensive parts in your car. Problems with your gearbox can be fatal so vigilance is vital. Fortunately, we have put together a simple guide so you can be sure that you are picking up on all those essential indicators that something isn’t quite right in the world of your gearbox…

Summer is here in a big fashion. The air waves are packed with heat and no doubt the one place this is making feel uncomfortable is in the cabin of your car. Good air conditioning system is the obvious answer.

Obviously like all of your vehicle’s systems, air conditioning is no different. Use it in a conservative, careful way and you can prolong its lifespan, use it without forethought and you could find yourself with a new purchase on your hands sooner than you think.

To help you get the most out of your air conditioning system for many years, you can find some of motoring’s best tips in our easy to use guide. Continue reading →

Paint does more than make your car look good. It protects the bodywork from damage. And in the same light, rust isn’t simply a bad look, it actually can devalue your car. Corrosion caused by salt and water impacts your vehicle beyond its aesthetical value and can be responsible for fatigue placed upon the hydraulic and mechanical systems.

Prevention as the old adage goes is better than cure. In the automotive world this translates into taking a little care can save you a whole stack of cash further down the road. So make sure you’re protecting your car and your wallet with our handy tips. Continue reading →

Cleaning your tyres and wheels isn’t only a cosmetic measure. Of course, your car will be more imposing with freshly shined rims and black tyres, but as with many instances of car care there is a deeper reason for ensuring your wheels are grime free. Brake dust can damage your wheels and should be regularly removed to prevent fatigue, and cleaning protects your tyres from weathering and cracking.

It is advisable to clean your wheels at least every other time you wash your car or every two weeks. Follow our step by step guide to not only get the cleanest and shiniest look for your wheels but to also give them that long term protection. Continue reading →

With summer on the way you need to be aware that your car could potentially overheat. Even though it is less common with modern vehicles than their older counterparts, a well-tuned automobile can still overheat. Incidents will normally occur when excess stress is placed on the engine, such as crawling in stop-go urban traffic or climbing a steep gradient.

Take precautions to avoid overheating with our helpful guide, which details emergency steps you can take if your engine starts to show signs of temperature problems.

Keeping Your Convertible’s Soft Top CleanNow that summer’s starting to emerge from the cold clutches of winter it’s time to get out in your convertible. However, you might find that the dirt accumulated on the soft roof over the winter from all the grit and muddy water on the road. Looking good is the whole point of owning one of these cars, so not cleaning the canopy is most probably not an option.

Whilst is can be a hassle to keep the roof clean, it can deteriorate if not looked after properly. Fortunately, we have put together another of our now internet-famous guides to help you get the muck and filth off your soft top. Convertible soft tops come in two different types. Vinyl and canvas. Each material has different cleaning requirements and it’s important to know the difference, as you could make an expensive mistake with the wrong cleaning techniques and products. Continue reading →